Living in a city next to the biggest metropolitan city in Japan will give you a comfortable and convenient living. This is probably why Yokohama is everyone’s favorite city. It will soon be your favorite city too. Let’s find out why.
Feeling Alive in Yokohama
Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan based on the population. Yokohama is also an expat-friendly city that has the first international port in Japan. Since the port has been opened for the International tradings, Yokohama has been espousing new cultures and information from other countries.
Atmosphere
Yokohama takes pride in a cosmopolitan atmosphere and excites in attracting tourists both local and also from neighboring countries. Situated in the middle of the Japanese Islands on the Pacific Coast, Yokohama has a comparatively warmer climate. Yokohama has obvious views in all four seasons. Therefore, Yokohama has a nice weather in spring and autumn, high temperature, and high humidity in summer, and a mild climate and less snow in winter. Yokohama truly comes alive in the summer with omatsuris (Japanese festivals) and crowds enjoying nice weather by the sea.
Historical and Cultural Area
Yokohama is the city that most adaptable to many different cultural influences. Historically, foreigners occupied a district of the city called Kannai. This background leads to a mixture of European-style architecture, up-market hotels and restaurants, and world-class shopping that makes the most of the vibrant mixture for living quality. Yokohama is also home to Yokohama Chinatown, one of the largest “Chinatown” in the world.
Hamakko
People of Yokohama referred to as “Hamakko” in Japanese, is the type of very cheerful people, very enjoying their life, and open-minded to whatever is good. Such a tradition of the “Hamakkos” from ages ago has been embraced into the present fashionable and sophisticated streetscape. For the foreigner, Hammakos are famous for their quiet and helpful personality.
Treasure the Leisure Living
Expatriates living in Yokohama can make the most of their life. Yokohama is home to some of the beautiful scenic, outdoor spaces, and shopping and leisure opportunities. Popular sports in the city include baseball and football. A number of festivals are also held in Yokohama each year.
Yokohama Landmark Tower “Sky Garden”
The Sky Garden is Japan's highest observation deck on the 69th floor of the Landmark Tower, the tallest building in Yokohama standing at 296 meters. Visitors take Japan's fastest elevator at 750m/min to reach the observatory in just under 40 seconds. The observatory provides a 360-degree, panoramic view of Yokohama city, the Yokohama Bay Bridge, and the Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji on clear days.
Sankeien Garden
A classical Japanese garden on 175,000 sqm land contains many historical houses and buildings that are recognized as being cultural reserved by the government. These buildings were brought to the park from locations all over the Japan. There are also bridges, streams, small waterfalls, bamboo groves, and ponds. In late March or early April, the cherry blossoms (sakura) are in full bloom. In July and August, there is a pond that bursts with thousands of Japanese pink lotus blossoms. In late autumn, the changing color of the leaves is breathtaking. In winter, plum blossoms (ume) start to bloom.
Yokohama Cosmo World
Located in the heart of Minato Mirai, Yokohama Cosmo World is an amusement park famous for its prominent image on the Yokohama skyline. With its waterfront view on all ends, Yokohama Cosmo World is scenic and beautiful by day and the lighting makes it a romantic place to walk at night. Yokohama Cosmo World includes nearby access to countless restaurants, bars, shops, and parks. The famous Ferris wheel, Cosmo Clock 21, is a wonderful dating spot at night. Moreover, as the night lights light up the area, the view is amazingly beautiful.
Yamashita Park
The Yamashita Park, also known as Yamashita Koen Park, it is the most popular park located right in front of Yokohama Port. Almost 700 meters from the east side of Osanbashi to Yamashita Pier, locals usually come for dog strolling, refreshment, and enjoying the view of the harbor and Minato Mirai. The park includes a grass field, a rose garden, the "Little Girl With Red Shoes On" statue, the "Guardian of Water" statue, the "Kamome no Suihei-san (Seagull Sailor)" song monument, water stairs, and Hikawa Maru cargo ship which is now a floating-style museum.
Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown is known as the world’s largest and best Chinese food spot. With more than 600 shops in only a 2500 sqm area, there are plenty of restaurants to choose. The buildings and signs glitter and dazzle in bright colors give different vibes for Yokohama. The most popular food types to try in Yokohama Chinatown are Beijing (北京料理), Shanghai (上海料理), Guangdong (広東料理), Sichuan (四川料理), Taiwanese (台湾料理) and Dim Sum (飲茶).
Motomachi Shopping Street
Motomachi Shopping Street is known for its European style decorations , that is how people call it Yokohama’s Little Europe. A shopping street that centered around streets 1 through 5 Chome. The street is lined up with many well-known brands of "Hama Tra" (Yokohama Traditional Fashion), as well as other clothing, variety goods, antique, cutlery, furniture, jewelry, popular foreign brand, restaurants, and cafés. There are lots to see here and a good chance to spend the day window shopping at the several fashion shops.
Best Area For Living
Besides Yamate-cho,the luxury residential area that has been a popular area for expats to live in, there are some areas in Yokohama that offer pleasant living. The transportation is convenient, and even to commute daily to Tokyo will not be a time-consuming journey. These are the top picks area in Yokohama to live.
Naka-ku Area
Naka-ku, which means Central Ward, is located right in the heart of Yokohama City. It is popular for business, entertainment, and tourism. There is a lot of lively shopping districts and high-class restaurants. There are also quiet residential neighborhoods nearby. Beautiful houses adorn the hills, and modern apartment complexes showing views of the harbor. Yamate and Honmoku areas are still home to the majority of foreigner population of Yokohama. This is best for family, with a couple of international schools is in the area.
Nishi-ku
Nishi-ku is located north-west of Naka-ku. This ward is the smallest, yet the most cosmopolitan feels. Surrounded by skyscrapers, including the second tallest building in Japan, The Yokohama Landmark Tower. A shopping and entertainment complexes are in the area, such as the famous Minato Mirai district. Yokohama station, which has plenty of commercial and entertainment districts, is also located in Nishi-ku. This is the best place for enjoying nightlife and entertainment.
Hokoku-ku
Located on the north of downtown Yokohama, this area is a good mix of commercial and residential area. An ideal place for work and entertainment activities. Kohoku-ku has a dense population, yet provides easy train access to downtown Yokohama and Tokyo. Large venues usually held a music and sports events for concerts and games. Hokoku suits best for families living.
Aoba-ku and Tsuzuki-ku
These wards are located in the northern part of Yokohama City. Compared to the city center, these areas are quieter and relaxable to live in. Moderate foreign populations and luxurious houses are the selling points of these areas. It is easy to reach Shibuya and downtown Tokyo which makes Aoba-ku and Tsuzuki-ku the well-developed suburban areas that can easily access to public transportations.
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